Schemes

Government Statistical Service

On the Government Statistical Service Fast Stream, you’ll work across government applying your analytical talents to tackle the big issues for the UK.

Duration

4 years

Salary

£28k

Location

UK-wide

About

Statistics and data enable us to understand the world. On the Government Statistical Service Fast Stream you can use your statistical expertise to influence social and economic activity at regional, national and international levels whilst developing your knowledge and understanding of what makes a great leader.

Professional statisticians work in the data analytical function at the heart of government. We need people with the analytical and leadership skills to shape the way the Government Statistical Service (GSS) responds to an increasingly data-hungry world.

The numbers and analysis we produce are at the centre of the stories that make the news and affect our lives. As a statistician you will use your expertise and develop data science skills to tackle the big issues affecting society and learn how to lead teams in this area. Your relevant and timely advice will contribute to the GSS vision of ‘Better Statistics, Better Decisions’.

Requirements

You need to be eligible to work in the UK

you need, or expect to have, a 2:1 Honours degree in a subject containing formal statistical training, such as Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Psychology, Geography or similar,

or you need, or expect to have, a Higher Degree, such as an MSc or PhD in a subject containing formal statistical training

What will you experience?

In today’s constantly evolving data landscape the need for professional statisticians is greater than ever. No other organisation can claim to be involved in the same breadth of work that the Civil Service will offer you. Promotion and successful completion of the scheme will see you earn around £45k to £55k.

Your progression through the programme

Year 1 - 12 months. In your first year you’ll work in a government department. You could be producing analysis that guides the budget.

Year 2 - 12 months. You will move into a new Government Department in a Statistics based role. You could be producing analysis that guides the budget.

Year 3 - Either undertake a 6-month complementary posting in another Government Department OR undertake a secondment posting.

The complementary posting will be in an area like policy or finance whilst the secondment will be working in either a private sector organisation or a charity/not for profit organisation. This will be based around your development needs and posting experience whilst on, or before you joined, the Fast Stream. You will then finish the scheme with either a 6-month posting moving in to Y4 or an 18 month posting to the end of the scheme.

Year 4 - 12-month placement. You will finish in a government department, undertaking tasks such as analysing the UK's energy consumption and contribution to climate change.

Iron Man Racer.

Government Data Cruncher.

Fast Streamer.

Iron Man Racer.

Government Data Cruncher.

Fast Streamer.

Iron Man Racer.

Government Data Cruncher.

Fast Streamer.

Iron Man Racer.

Government Data Cruncher.

Fast Streamer.

Supporting your learning

Our learning support includes:

Support from your cohort leader to identify development opportunities.

Continuous professional development through a statistics and data science learning curriculum and a possible RSS accreditation.

Statistics and data science learning curriculum to help to maintain your continuous professional development.

Access a range of high quality training courses to develop your core civil service competencies.

Secondments outside the GSS and the Civil Service to develop a strong understanding of customer needs and how statistics are used outside government.

A Development Plan to identify any gaps in your experience to help you find your next placement.

Up to £55k

If you successfully complete the scheme and are promoted, you'll earn around £45k to £55k.

What benefits will you enjoy?

You’ll have a unique chance to work on issues that really matter, and to gain experience internally and externally. It’s the best foundation for promotion and long-term progression.

Promotion and successful completion of the scheme will see you earn around £45k to 55k, while other benefits include the Civil Service pension scheme, professional qualifications, flexible working, season ticket loans, sports and social activities, childcare vouchers and more.

A three day residential induction course alongside other fast stream professions

Continuous professional development through a statistics and data science learning curriculum

A range of high quality training courses to develop your core civil service competencies

Secondments outside the GSS and the civil service to develop a strong understanding of customer needs and how statistics are used outside government

The opportunity to defer your placement on the statistician scheme to take up a post on the Department for International Development’s Overseas Development Institute Programme

Application process

You'll only move on to the next test, if you've successfully passed the previous one.

Assessment centre

If you pass the online tests, you'll be invited to complete an Application Form and this will be sifted by the scheme owner, and at the same time you will asked to complete a Numerical test. If successful at this stage, then you will be invited to attend a half-day assessment at one of our assessment centres in either London or Newcastle.

We'll ask you to take part in a series of exercises. This includes a leadership exercise, a group exercise and an analysis exercise.

You can take a virtual tour of the assessment centres at the following links:

If you are successful at the assessment centre, you’ll be invited to take part in a final selection process.

The specialist assessments will assess your broad capabilities and motivation to be part of the profession you’ve chosen. You’ll be sent detailed guidance before the assessment to explain what is involved.